"Michael Daly" wrote in message
...

The EPIRB signals to satellites, which relay to a rescue centre. The
rescue centre only has a rough position from the EPIRB - it isn't a GPS.
They contact the nearest SAR folks who then start searching the area
with a position error of about one mile (after three satellite passes).
How long does it take to search a one mile diameter circle of ocean,
with drift due to wind and currents thrown in for good measure?



My point is that you can't depend on just one form of distress signaling.
While the EPIRBs are a fantastic step forward, they do have their
limitations. The most modern forms do have gps and constantly transmit
there location via satellite when activated but they must be on the surface
to work. If they are trapped down in the cubby or tangled up in the rigging
of an overturned boat, they aren't going to do a d@mn thing for you.


suds